Events

News

Innovation Martlesham hosts local students taking part in the Young Rewired State Festival of Code 2012

July 18, 2012

Adastral Park hosts students for event which supports future generations working in ICT

Innovation Martlesham, the high-tech cluster of ICT companies located at Adastral Park, has partnered with Young Rewired State (YRS) to host students for the YRS “Festival of Code 2012”. This national coding event took place from 6th – 12th August 2012.

Over the course of the week, Innovation Martlesham, along with 50 other organisations, large and small, around the country hosted local young people, YRS alumni, Rewired State mentors and other volunteers. Innovation Martlesham welcomed a YRS mentor and 6 young people from the local area and challenged them to build digital products: mobile and web, using at least one piece of open government data.

Sym Roe was appointed as the YRS mentor for Innovation Martlesham. Sym has been involved in the organisation the past four years. “This event is important as it encourages young people to get inspired to do something that they enjoy. The students based at the Innovation Martlesham YRS centre were particularly interested in gaming and are pairing their interests with ways to benefit their local area.”

During the week, the Suffolk Coastal MP, Therese Coffey, stopped by Innovation Martlesham to visit the students taking part in the YRS Festival of Code. “I am impressed with the level of enthusiasm of these students for what they are achieving and what it means for the future of ICT. There is a shortage of ICT and high-tech skills, but events like the YSR Festival of Code are exciting opportunities for young people to become more involved in technology. Hopefully this event will attract even more students in the years to come.”

Chairman of Innovation Martlesham, David Ralph met with the students on the first day to introduce Innovation Martlesham. “One of the main drives of Innovation Martlesham is to help promote economic growth in the ICT sector in our region. Hosting the Young Rewired State Festival of Code event here is a great way to support young people who may one day be the future workforce in the ICT sector.”